Banner Marsh State Fish and Wildlife Area

Banner Marsh spans 4,363 acres along the Illinois River, featuring deep lakes, floodplain forests, levees, shallow marshes, and extensive grasslands.

The land underwent strip mining for coal from the 1880s to 1980s, followed by agricultural use until the Illinois Department of Natural Resources acquired it.

The Audubon Society recognizes this location as an Important Bird Area, documenting over 200 bird species throughout the seasons.

Three public access points provide parking lots, boat ramps for vessels under 25 horsepower, restrooms, and designated areas for fishing and hunting.

The area contains more than 200 water bodies, including Johnson Lake at 600 acres, Wheel Lake at 350 acres, and Shovel Lake at 100 acres.

Location: Fulton County

GPS coordinates: 40.53850,-89.84170

Latest update: March 5, 2025 06:33